Simon Ekpa is a terrorist and we’re ready to provide evidence of his atrocities - Enugu government

The Enugu State Government has expressed its readiness to provide evidence of alleged atrocities committed by Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, labeled Ekpa a “terrorist” who disregards the welfare of the Igbo people. Ekpa was arrested on Thursday, November 21, in a northern European country and detained by the Päijät-Häme district court for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media, linked to an offense in Lahti in 2021.

Violence in Nigeria’s southeast since 2021 has been largely attributed to Ekpa’s IPOB faction. Onyia welcomed his arrest as a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region. The government described Ekpa as a “murderer and fraudster” who profits from the suffering of his people, declaring its willingness to provide evidence of his alleged crimes to support his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

The government stated that Ekpa’s arrest aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s administration's stance, which has consistently referred to him as a “megalomaniac, criminal, and fraudster” who exploits the emotions of the Igbo people while causing destruction and hardship in the southeast. Ekpa is accused of creating a climate of fear, undermining the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, and extorting people under the guise of advocating for Biafra's restoration.

The Enugu government expressed optimism that Ekpa’s trial and eventual justice would contribute significantly to peace, security, and stability in the southeast.